One of the
most legendary feuds in Hip-Hop history will come to an end with the May 22 release
of Hip-Hop Lives, created by two pioneers and former rivals, KRS-One and
Marley Marl.The
pair’s now legendary beef started in 1985 with MC Shan’s classic record "The
Bridge," which paid homage to Shan’s place of birth, Queensbridge, New York.
The
single, which was produced by Marley Marl, helped establish Marley Marl and his
group of MC’s, The Juice Crew, which featured Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Master
Ace, Biz Markie, Craig G, Roxanne Shante MC Shan and others. KRS-One
and his Boogie Down Productions crew accused Shan of implying Hip-Hop was started
in Queensbridge. KRS retaliated with the anthem "South Bronx," which
proclaimed the Bronx as Hip-Hop’s original birthplace. Despite
their legendary feud, the two have gone on to very successful careers. KRS-One
has released 15 albums and three books over the course of his career, while Marley
Marl has produced for platinum rappers and artists like LL Cool J, Eric B. &
Rakim, TLC and others.The
pair concocted Hip-Hop Lives long before the recent proclamations that
"Hip-Hop Is Dead.""It
all happened with one phone call," Marley Marl told AllHipHop.com during
a Mar. 2006 interview. "They called me and he jumped on the phone and told
me it would be spectacular for Hip-Hop…My reason for doing this is to show these
kids that [Hip-Hop beefs] are not that serious."
The first single from the release is titled "Kill A Rapper," which focuses
on the unsolved murders of several of rap’s biggest stars and why no one has been
brought to justice. Hip-Hop
Lives hits stores on May 22 on Koch Records. In
related news, KRS-One will hit the road for an 11-date tour, which will feature
De La Soul on select dates. Tour dates are below:MARCH
2007March
22, Malibu, CA, Malibu InnMarch
23, Garden Grove, CA, BellunosMarch
31, Santa Monica, CA, (Hip Hop Unity Day) The Greek TheatreAPRIL
2007April
4, Agoura Hills, CA, Canyon Club**April
5, Santa Ana, CA, Galaxy Theatre**April
6, San Diego, CA, Cane’s**April
7, Los Angeles, CA, Key Club**April
22, Long Beach, CA, Long Beach College**
with De La SoulMAY
2007May
12, Carrboro, NC, Cats CradleMay
18, New York, NY, BB KingsMay
19, Washington, DC, H 20
